Shane Coen founded Coen+Partners in 1992 and led the practice for 33 years. Over that time he grew a Minneapolis studio into an international landscape architecture and urban design firm, with projects across the United States, Africa, and Saudi Arabia.

His design process paired creative inspiration, which he called the “magic of design,” with a disciplined, collaborative method he called the “science of design.” In 2015 he received the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum National Design Award in Landscape Architecture. In 2024 Coen+Partners received the King Salman Charter Award for Architecture and Urban Design in partnership with the Sports Boulevard Foundation.

He taught studios at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and lectured widely in the United States and abroad. He also served on the GSA Design Excellence Program’s National Registry of Peer Professionals.

Outside practice, Shane practiced Kundalini yoga, foraged, and spent time on the land. He believed the role of landscape architecture is to restore people’s relationship with nature.

Shane passed away in October 2025. The firm continues his work under the leadership of its partners and directors.

Remembrance